The Kookai International Film Festival, combines an esteemed international film competition with a concentrated industry summit organized to address the ever-changing landscape of film and media creation. Tailored to fit the moment, the festival includes in-theatre and online screenings, red carpets, talent talks and special events. Industry initiatives include a Content Summit featuring interactive sessions and networking meetings, to provide filmmakers new opportunities to connect around the globe.

Awards & Prizes

We proudly announce all our Categories. Your project might become a multi award winning film!.

MAIN CATEGORIES

* Best Short
* Best Foreign Short
* Best Documentary Short
* Best Animation Short
* Best Experimental Short
* Best Horror Short
* Best Student Short
* Best First Time Filmmaker Short
* Best Music Video
* Best Producer
* Best Female Director
* Best Male Director
* Best Student Director
* Best Actress
* Best Actor
* Best New Actress/Actor
* Best Acting Ensemble
* Best Cinematography
* Best Editing
* Best Production Design
* Best Sound Design
* Best Original Score
* Best Screenwriting
* Best Experimental Feature film
* Best Documentary Feature
* Best Animation Feature
* Best Student Feature film
* Best First Time Filmmaker Feature
* Best Original Score Feature film

Rules & Terms

The Kookai International Film Festival welcomes any film in any genre, under 180 minutes in length.

Only digital submissions will be accepted: please upload films via FilmFreeway.

If submitters are unable to upload a screener, we will accept a private Vimeo link, emailed along with the submission tracking number, to kookaiawards@gmail.com.

A submission fee will not be reimbursed if they decide to withdraw their submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.

Accepted filmmakers attending the festival are responsible for their own expenses.

Filmmakers certify that they have full rights to use all music in their films. All photos submitted may be used for any festivals promotions. Non-English films must have English subtitles, or be dubbed in English.
90 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Publio César de la Vega García

    My experience at this festival has been terrific. I'm looking forward to having new work to present. Thank you so much for everything. Hugs, friends.

    May 2026
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  • Giovanni Lodigiani

    Thank you for the Narrative Feature Winner award that the jury has decided to grant my film SACRIFICE. I appreciate it very much. I am so proud and grateful. I really want to recommend this festival for its transparency and new opportunities to connect around the globe.

    April 2026
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  • Ariel Orama López (AG Orloz)

    Ir was truly a great honor for us to participate with OSKÄR.

    April 2026
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  • Suresh G

    I had a very positive experience with Kookai International Film Festival. The communication from the team was clear and timely throughout the process, and the festival showed genuine respect for filmmakers and their work.

    What impressed me most was the professionalism and hospitality. The team made the process smooth, and their support gave confidence that the festival is run with care and sincerity. Networking opportunities and visibility for selected films were also appreciable.

    I am honored that my short film DITTO was selected as the Best Short Film Winner (2026). KIFF is doing a commendable job in encouraging independent filmmakers and providing a meaningful platform for creative voices.

    I strongly recommend filmmakers to submit their work to KIFF.

    — Suresh G, India

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • DINESH SHUKLA

    I am happy and feel proud to be a part of a Festival. Thanks for the Award. Congrats and thanks to the festival team for excellent correspondence. Highly recommended Festival.

    February 2026
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